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Removing scratches
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Author:  Hollada [ Fri Mar 29, 2013 5:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Removing scratches
Anyone have suggestions on getting scuff scratches out? Just bought a 2012 pa 14 and the bottom is a bit scuffed up.

Can this be wet sanded or buffed out? Or just live with it?
Author:  KJV [ Fri Mar 29, 2013 5:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Removing scratches
I've always just lived with it. You will scratch it again.
Author:  dregsfan [ Fri Mar 29, 2013 7:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Removing scratches
Ditto. It comes with the territory.
Author:  cnnashman [ Sat Mar 30, 2013 3:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Removing scratches
Poly yaks are always referred to as abrasion resistant but i like to just call them puncture resistant. In reality poly yaks are the furthest thing from being abrasion resistant because they show everything , even bumps with the oar leaves scratches, it's truly hopeless if your intent is to keep your yak scratch free.

I found the below write up somewhere , can't remember where ,that sums it up really well imo , enjoy.


....You would have found that this question has been asked over and over again. The answer is always the same: Don't waste-your time.
You will never make a polyethylene boat look new again and it's just going to get scratched every time you use it.

It's the nature of plastic boats and you can't change that. You can spend countless hours trying to repair scratches on a plastic boat and it's always going to be a waste
of time. Your best bet is to resign yourself to that and spend your time paddling instead.

you want a plastic boat to look pretty forever, the only way is hang it on a wall when it's new and don't use it.
Author:  LAMEDUCK [ Sat Mar 30, 2013 8:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Removing scratches
I agree with the prior replies. Every time you try to remove the scratches you are removing the surrounding material, which thins out the hull. Consider the scratches a badge or use.
Author:  islandspeed2001 [ Sun Mar 31, 2013 7:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Removing scratches
Take a razor blade and carefully remove the "hair" that is created by scratches. Other than that.... you got what you got when it comes to scratches :mrgreen:
Author:  AllElectricPA14 [ Sun Mar 31, 2013 1:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Removing scratches
I never trust anyone with a shiny car, a spotless boat, or expensive clothes. LOL
Author:  uno mas [ Sun Mar 31, 2013 6:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Removing scratches
cover it up.

https://keelguard.com


cheers.
drew
Author:  YakFish [ Sun Mar 31, 2013 7:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Removing scratches
1) Scrub area with soap and water to remove any dirt that may be present in scratch
2) Heat area with a hair dryer set on high heat, or a small blow torch, and while heating area, use a putty knife to press material that was displaced by scratch back into scratch groove. Be careful though not to apply too much heat to scratch, and/or for too long a time because damage may result to the hull.
Author:  Bigkidneys [ Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Removing scratches
I have done mine with a heat gun. It will almost make all small (shallow) scratches diasappear but larger one really won't do anything for. Just bought another PA last week that had a bunch of superficial scratches and used the heat gun and looks 10x better but yes, nature of the beast with these things... Just don't touch the boat when you are heating it. Let the polyethelyne around the scratch run into it and don't hold it on the area too long. Back and forth motions work best. Tried a small butane torch initially and that was too hard. A cheap heat gun works perfect.
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